ScandinavianUniversal

Water Surface

Behr · QE-43

The Analysis

Water Surface is a mid-tone blue-green that sits squarely in the middle of the brightness scale with an LRV of 48.29. It absorbs enough light to feel substantial without making a room feel cramped, effectively balancing between creating a cozy enclosure and an airy, open feel.

This color serves as an excellent main wall choice for living areas or bedrooms where you want a personality-driven backdrop that isn't too aggressive. It works effectively as a 'bridge' color that ties together white trim and darker furniture pieces.

LRV 48

History & Origin

This is a distinctly modern, fresh choice that aligns with contemporary design trends prioritizing nature-inspired, muted tones. It avoids the heavy, dramatic feel of period-specific historic palettes.

Undertoneneutral
FamilyGreen

How to Use It

It pairs beautifully with warm wood tones like walnut or oak to balance its coolness, while matte black hardware adds a sharp, professional contrast. Use it in rooms with ample natural light to bring out the subtle green undertones, or in bathrooms to create a clean, spa-like atmosphere.

The Mood

Living with this color provides a restful, stabilizing effect because of its cool, grounded undertones. It avoids feeling overly clinical or sterile, instead offering a calm environment that is easy on the eyes for daily living.

Colour harmonies

Complementary

Opposite on the colour wheel — bold, high-contrast pairings. Use for a feature wall or furniture you want to command attention.

Analogous

Neighbouring hues — cohesive and calm, great for layered schemes that feel collected rather than matched.

Split complementary

Near-opposites for strong contrast with a little less tension than a pure complement. A favourite of interior designers.

Triadic

Three evenly spaced hues — balanced, vibrant, and versatile. Keep one dominant and use the others sparingly.

Tetradic (square)

Four hues in a square on the wheel — rich, dynamic palettes. Best when one colour leads and the others accent.

Monochromatic

Dark, mid, and light steps on the same hue — a failsafe gradient for trim, walls, and accents without shifting colour family.

Brand Matches

Perceptually similar colours from across all brands in our database.

  • Homestead Green

    Benjamin Moore · AC-19

  • Rhine River

    Benjamin Moore · 689

  • Mediterranean Dusk

    Valspar · V100-2

  • Wedgewood Gray

    Benjamin Moore · HC-146

  • Blue 13

    Lick · Blue 13

  • IMAGINE

    Jotun · 6383

Lighting

See how this colour shifts across natural and artificial light conditions.

  • Natural
  • Morning
  • Afternoon
  • Evening
  • Overcast
  • 2700K
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